Graphic Design

Select start date and campus

Close

Applying as a Canadian applicant

Domestic students should apply online or by phone at 1-888-892-2228.


Applying as an International applicant

International students should apply online. Note: not all programs are open to international students.
Close

Campus tours

Campus tours are one of the best ways to experience Conestoga. During this time, we are offering online guided tours to show you all Conestoga has to offer.

Book your tour

Virtual tours

If you can't make an on-campus tour or attend one of our events, the virtual tour is a great way to visit us.

View our Virtual tour

Courses - January 2022

Level 1

Course details

College Reading & Writing Skills
COMM1085

Description: This course introduces students to the reading, writing, and critical thinking skills needed for academic and workplace success. Students will analyse a variety of texts and apply the steps of planning, writing, and revising to produce writing that meets the expectations of selected audiences and purposes. The course prepares students for college-level writing tasks, research, and documentation by asking them to produce clear, informed, and purposeful documents relevant to both academic and professional contexts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Conestoga 101
CON0101

Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities.
  • Hours: 1
  • Credits: 0
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Design History A
GRDN1065

Description: This course is a survey of the origins, history and theory of graphic design through an examination of prominent movements and people. Design History A covers the time periods from ancient civilizations up to the 1900s. This course will introduce the terminology, historic references, and principles that have influenced design. The course will be delivered by faculty lectures, student presentations, and conferences and/or field trips, and special events.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Illustration 1
GRDN1080

Description: This course establishes the fundamentals of illustration skills through experimentation with a variety of traditional and digital media, in-class lectures, critiques, and rendering tools and techniques. Projects focus on experimentation of illustration skills and specific reference to contemporary illustrators.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Design Tools and Practices 1
GRDN1105

Description: This course introduces students to methods, terminology, materials and studio techniques used in layouts and print production. Attention is given to the introduction and development of basic technical and mechanical skills for print production. Students are introduced to planning tools and a sound production process for multi-page layouts.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 1-A
GRDN1120

Description: This course introduces key terms and concepts related to typographic form and communication. Emphasis is placed on type as form to communicate, history of letterforms, typographic vocabulary, hierarchy of information, legibility and readability, and letterform spacing using traditional and digital media. Students are introduced to typographic conventions and systems through a series of lectures, assignments, and projects.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites: GRDN1165

Design Studio 1-A
GRDN1165

Description: This course develops an awareness of visual literacy through the study of syntactical guidelines, basic design elements and principles, and techniques. Students will develop layout skills that combine typography with photographic images and drawings. Students develop an awareness of visual literacy in relation to composition through a series of assignments and projects.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 2

Course details

Design History B
GRDN1075

Description: This course is a continuation of Design History A and covers prominent movements and people from the 1900s to present day. Students will be introduced to contemporary design theories, design thinkers, and discuss the politics and powers that influenced contemporary design. The course will be delivered by faculty lectures, and research for studio projects.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1065
  • CoRequisites:

Design Tools and Practices 2
GRDN1115

Description: This course is a progression from Design Tools and Practices 1. Throughout this course the students expand their knowledge of methods, terminology, materials and studio techniques essential for the development and preparation of print- and screen-based media. Through more in-depth projects, attention is given to the development of technical skills for the production of final artwork and design files.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1100 OR GRDN1105
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 1-B
GRDN1130

Description: This course further develops research in typographic history and contemporary applications of typography. Key concepts related to hierarchy of content, legibility and readability, letterform spacing are expanded from Typography 1-A. Typographic conventions and systems are further explained and demonstrated through a series of lectures, assignments, and projects using traditional and digital media.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1120
  • CoRequisites: GRDN1175

Design Studio 1-B
GRDN1175

Description: This course builds from the information in Design Studio 1-A. Students will integrate design concepts with a variety of media to different specifications. Projects and assignments will focus on design principles for combining imaging techniques, imaging specifications, photographic principles, and typographic conventions. Students will focus on issues, research, methodology, process and communication skills.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1165
  • CoRequisites:

Photography 1
PHOT1320

Description: In this course students build fundamental applied knowledge of terms and techniques for digital photography and its purpose in the graphic design industry. Students use the camera and digital photographic processes as creative and versatile tools for specific design solutions. Students develop technical skills focusing on lighting techniques for different subject matter in a photo studio.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 3

Course details

Illustration 2
GRDN2080

Description: This course establishes an intermediate level of illustration skills through experimentation with a combination of media, in-class lectures, critiques, and rendering tools and techniques. Students prepare illustrations for digital production, and build their knowledge of applied illustration for specific projects, clients, and target audiences.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 2-A
GRDN2105

Description: This course develops creative typographic solutions with a focus on typeface selection, specification, adjustment, and basic management. Typographic conventions and grid systems are explored to develop a variety of studio assignments and projects. Throughout the course, students appraise and evaluate typographic solutions appropriate for specific communication outcomes.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1130
  • CoRequisites: GRDN2180

Packaging 1-A
GRDN2120

Description: This introductory course enables the student to apply creative problem-solving techniques and working skills to a number of consumer-oriented product packaging assignments. Point of purchase and product advertising are essential areas of study. Experimentation with common materials used in the packaging industry (i.e., carton-board, plastics and glass) develops necessary research skills and effective design problem-solving based on examination of current packaging styles, techniques and marketing systems.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Design Technologies 1
GRDN2165

Description: This course is a progression from Design Tools and Practices 2. Throughout this course students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of processes, terminology and procedures related to the creation of graphic design media. Emphasis will be placed on the development and understanding of professional procedures used for print ready prepress file production.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1110 OR GRDN1115
  • CoRequisites:

Design Studio 2-A
GRDN2180

Description: This course integrates information from the past two studio courses as students focus on conceptual thinking and problem solving. Projects and assignments require students to integrate complex text and visual information to meet client goals and specific target audiences. Students are challenged to experiment with illustration, typography and photography using various methodologies to create innovative design solutions.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1175
  • CoRequisites:

Photography 2
PHOT2000

Description: This course further investigates the understanding of photography in relation to a practical working knowledge of photography for use in design projects. Students expand on their knowledge of photo studio and software techniques. In addition, students develop and apply image manipulation and colour correction skills for specific design solutions.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN1150 OR PHOT1320
  • CoRequisites:

Electives: General Education
Student must pass 1 Course(s), selected in the Student Portal from available course options

Level 4

Course details

Professional Practices 1
GRDN2065

Description: This course introduces ethical standards, fair practices and relations between designers and clients. Business and legal practices for commissioned work, copyright/trademarks, entrepreneurship, job costing, job scheduling, market value, fee negotiation, and conflict resolution are reviewed and discussed. Personal efficiency will be developed through organizational skills and project management. Professional presentation practices will be reviewed and evaluated with faculty and clients.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Creative Imaging 1
GRDN2095

Description: This course builds on the information covered in Illustration 2. Students expand on their knowledge by creating, manipulating, editing and composing innovative design solutions. Projects focus on the conceptual development necessary to meet a professional standard of illustration driven by the client, target audience, and application.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2080
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 2-B
GRDN2115

Description: This course expands on the student’s capabilities in developing creative typographic solutions with a focus on typeface selection, specification, adjustment, grid systems, and basic management. In addition to typographic conventions in English and French and systems, students are encouraged to experiment with typographic solutions for studio projects. Students will produce, discuss, and critique typographic solutions for specific target audiences.
  • Hours: 56
  • Credits: 4
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2100 OR GRDN2105
  • CoRequisites: GRDN2190

Packaging 1-B
GRDN2130

Description: This course builds on the information in Packaging 1-A with an emphasis on conceptualized three-dimensional models. Studio and client projects focus on designing and preparing artwork for product packaging solutions. Assignments focus on strategic thinking and effective visual problem solving based on examination of current packaging styles, techniques and marketing systems.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2120
  • CoRequisites:

Design Technologies 2
GRDN2175

Description: This course is a progression from Design Technologies 1. Throughout this course the students improve and expand their knowledge of terminology, procedures and processes used in the design industry. Students further investigate colour systems and the preparation of print-ready files. Emphasis will be placed on industry standard professional procedures that are used to communicate with the print industry.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2160 OR GRDN2165
  • CoRequisites:

Design Studio 2-B
GRDN2190

Description: This course builds on Design Studio 2-A. Students focus on translating and communicating stories graphically. The structure is designed to help students progress and develop independent learning, based upon an emphasis on research, the application of a rigorous methodology and strategies for design thinking. Print- and screen-based design will be explored.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2180
  • CoRequisites:

Level 5

Course details

Creative Imaging 2
GRDN3085

Description:

Creative Imaging 2 builds on previous courses in illustration, photography, and creative imaging to create unique visual concepts for design projects. The course focuses on problem solving across different media types for design projects, and collaborations with other students and faculty to build professional skills. Through in-class lectures, labs–tutorials, and sequences of conceptual image-making exercises and projects, students explore and practice compositions across medias with a blend of illustration, photography, print, and digital medias.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2090 OR GRDN2095
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 3-A
GRDN3100

Description: This advanced level course for print- and screen-based design challenges students to analyze and create complex typographic projects including multi-page layouts, grid system development, type specifications, accurate copy fitting, typographic systems and professional typographic conventions in English and French. Typographic experimentation is investigated to enhance the meaning of communication in written language. Students produce, review, and critique projects in studio groups.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2110 OR GRDN2115
  • CoRequisites: GRDN3200

Packaging 2-A
GRDN3120

Description:

This course focuses on design considerations for packaging and a range of media including three-dimensional designs, point-of-purchase displays, signage, three-dimensional models, and digital media. The concept of brand activation is a central theme for projects that use various media platforms including social media. Assignments are developed by considering the relationships between design, target audiences, selected media, and include the use of a variety of production materials and processes.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2130
  • CoRequisites:

Design Prototyping 1
GRDN3145

Description:

This course is a progression from Design Technologies 2 with an emphasis on creating artwork, files, and a case study for screen-based media. Tutorials in software applications will be used to advance knowledge of software, as well as file types and file management skills. With a combined emphasis on technical skills and their application to design projects, students will develop a case study and files for specific a Design Studio and Typography project.

  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2170 OR GRDN2175
  • CoRequisites:

Professional Practices 2
GRDN3165

Description: This course expands on topics covered in Professional Practices 1, with a focus on practicing professional standards in the graphic design industry and developing a portfolio. Students review, discuss, and engage in a variety of professional practices related to workflow, project management and estimating that are common in studios and agencies. In relation to design practices, students attend conferences and review guest speaker talks to become more familiar with contemporary practices in the graphic design industry. Draft portfolios and resumes are developed and reviewed throughout the course.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2065
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone 1
GRDN3185

Description: This course provides students with the opportunity to further develop specific creative interests through an independent design project. In addition, this course will focus on the development and preparation of a major design project through research, creative concept development, presentations for critiques, and preliminary design work and process document.
  • Hours: 42
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Design Studio 3-A
GRDN3200

Description: This advanced-level course focuses on both the creative and technical skills required to solve complex design projects across a broad spectrum of media and formats (from traditional to digital media). The practice of design is discussed as a confluence of historical and contemporary culture and changing technology. The studio engages students with open dialogues about the professional practice of design, studio critiques, and presentations.
  • Hours: 70
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN2190
  • CoRequisites:

Safety in the Workplace
OHS1320

Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers.
  • Hours: 14
  • Credits: 1
  • Pre-Requisites:
  • CoRequisites:

Level 6

Course details

Portfolio
ETR3015

Description: As a culmination of their design work throughout the program, the portfolio course guides students in the development of their professional portfolio and paths to employment. Students will develop and finalize their personal identities, print and digital portfolios, and practice presentation and interview skills in portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and field placement interviews. Discussions about employment contracts and future career paths are reviewed with an emphasis on understanding the diverse employment options in the field of design. As well, several guest speakers present to students on a variety of contemporary issues and practices in design, including a panel of former graduates of the program. From their final portfolios, students will select projects to apply for provincial, national, and international design awards.
  • Hours: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3165
  • CoRequisites:

Field Placement (Graphic Design)
FPLT3045

Description:

This course facilitates a placement experience with a company/agency which has been approved by the program. Students will take an active role in securing a placement by practising employability skills. Engaging in the work environment of a professionally relevant company/agency will allow students to apply their education and skills contributing to their mutual benefit. Appropriate workplace behaviour and etiquette is expected as students use this opportunity to expand their network of industry contacts and effectively market their personal brand. Through this experience, students can cultivate confidence, escalate awareness of industry practices, add to their resume & portfolio, and contribute to their own career success.

  • Hours: 140
  • Credits: 5
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3160 OR GRDN3165 AND OHS1320 AND OHS8320
  • CoRequisites:

Typography 3-B
GRDN3115

Description: This advanced level course involves developing and refining solutions for complex and challenging design projects. The course builds on Typography 3-A with a focus on attaining professional standards for print- and screen-based designs. Students develop and finalize projects for their portfolio.
  • Hours: 50
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3100
  • CoRequisites:

Design Prototyping 2
GRDN3220

Description:

This course is designed to build on design principles and techniques introduced in Design Prototyping 1. There will be an emphasis on applying design thinking processes to create and manage a design system. Students will learn to apply accessibility guidelines, create multiple components and variants, and use them to design pixel-perfect layouts. With a mix of UX theories and technical skills, students will create a case study and related application prototype.

  • Hours: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3140 OR GRDN3145
  • CoRequisites:

Capstone 2
GRDN3230

Description: In this course, students further develop and execute a major design project proposed in Capstone 1. The focus of the course is on continual feedback with faculty and peers, and on developing and refining an independent design project. Students propose and implement a schedule for the completion of their final Capstone project.
  • Hours: 30
  • Credits: 2
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3180 OR GRDN3185
  • CoRequisites:

Design Studio 3-B
GRDN3240

Description:

This course builds on Design Studio 3-A. As an advanced-level course, creative and technical skills are refined with the goal of completing projects for portfolios. Students work individually, in pairs, and teams, to solve a variety of projects across diverse media. Final presentations will typically involve class presentations and critiques, with external clients and/or reviewers when required.

  • Hours: 50
  • Credits: 3
  • Pre-Requisites: GRDN3200
  • CoRequisites:

Program outcomes

  1. Conceptualize and develop design solutions using principles of design to create visual communications that meet the needs of the project.
  2. Employ the design process to create design solutions that meet the project objectives and the needs of the client and/or user.
  3. Plan, create and use photography, illustration and typography in design layouts to meet the requirements of the creative brief.
  4. Design, develop and create a variety of media products using relevant, current and/or emerging technologies.
  5. Communicate ideas, design concepts and opinions clearly and persuasively to others.
  6. Use recognized industry practices throughout the design process and related business tasks.
  7. Plan, implement, and evaluate graphic design projects using project management skills to deliver quality work to clients according to schedule and within budget.
  8. Complete all work in a professional and ethical manner, and in accordance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
  9. Keep current with visual media design trends, technologies and industry practices using strategies that enhance work performance and guide professional development.
  10. Use effective interpersonal and collaboration skills to complete interdisciplinary projects that meet the requirements of clients and community partners.